About Kickstart
Quick Links
- Register for Kickstart (coming June 2013)
- Schedule of Events
- Additional Opportunities
- Contact Us
Your first year of university is an exciting time, complete with new experiences and new opportunities. You are invited explore some of those opportunities by attending one or all of these free events designed to help you meet other new students, learn about U of T, build academic skills, and get involved in campus life.
Kickstart has been developed for students who are looking for an alternative to their college or faculty orientation, are unable to attend their full orientation, or would just like to explore more of what is available to them at the University of Toronto. Check out the offerings below and register online for whatever interests you.
Kickstart has been developed for students who are looking for an alternative to their college or faculty orientation, are unable to attend their full orientation, or would just like to explore more of what is available to them at the University of Toronto. Check out the offerings below and register online for whatever interests you.
Registration
Registration for Kickstart 2013 will open in June. If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator by e-mail at kickstart@utoronto.ca or by phone at 416-978-6908.
Schedule of Events (from 2012)
Tuesday, September 4
(First of two offerings)
10:00am to 12:00pm, Main Activity Hall of the Multi-Faith Centre in Koffler House (569 Spadina Avenue)
This session will cover all of the need-to-know details as a University of Toronto student. All of your questions about academic expectations, student support services, involvement opportunities, and more will be answered.
How to Love Your Lectures: Social Sciences
1:00pm to 3:00pm, Room 2118 in Sidney Smith Hall (100 St. George Street)
Want to know what your classes will be like before they actually begin? Learn some valuable note-taking techniques from our experts and then put your skills to good use as one of U of T’s finest professors in the Social Sciences gives you a taste of what to expect once classes start. Make your first lecture fun and stress-free!
Wednesday, September 5
How to Love Your Lectures: Life Sciences2:00pm to 4:00pm, Room 2172 in the Medical Sciences Building (1 King's College Circle)
Want to know what your classes will be like before they actually begin? Learn some valuable note-taking techniques from our experts and then put your skills to good use as one of U of T’s finest professors in the Life Sciences gives you a taste of what to expect once classes start. Make your first lecture fun and stress-free!
Thursday, September 6
Gearing Up for Academic Success(First of two offerings)
10:00am to 12:00pm, Music Room in Hart House (7 Hart House Circle)
Learn what you can do to best start your academic career at U of T. Gain useful tips on how to manage your time, how to de-stress during crunch times, and how to avoid the pitfalls of procrastination before it gets the best of you and your grades.
How to Love Your Lectures: Humanities
1:00pm to 3:00pm, Room 2118 in Sidney Smith Hall (100 St. George Street)
Want to know what your classes will be like before they actually begin? Learn some valuable note-taking techniques from our experts and then put your skills to good use as one of U of T’s finest professors in the Humanities gives you a taste of what to expect once classes start. Make your first lecture fun and stress-free!
Get Involved: Becoming a Leader at U of T
(First of two offerings)
4:00pm to 5:00pm, Music Room in Hart House (7 Hart House Circle)
Thinking about getting involved on campus but not sure where to start? Not sure why getting involved is even important? This interactive workshop will show you how to find involvement and leadership opportunities on campus and how to get the most from your university experience.
Friday, September 7
Words of Wisdom: Upper-Year Panel
11:00am to 1:00pm, East Common Room in Hart House (7 Hart House Circle)
Feeling nervous about starting university? Who better to talk to than upper year students who have gone through the experience already? Join us at this informal event where upper year students will share some words of advice, and also answer your questions over light refreshments provided. Get the students’ perspective on the ins and outs of being a U of T student.
Monday, September 10
Drumming Workshop: Exploring the Multi-Faith Centre
4:00pm to 5:00pm, Main Activity Hall of the Multi-Faith Centre in Koffler House (569 Spadina Avenue)
Find your independent beat in rhythm with others. This interactive workshop will be an opportunity to meet others and renew friendships while banging out bridges of understanding and mutual respect on our diverse campus. Drums provided!
Tuesday, September 11
Gearing Up for Academic Success(Second of two offerings)
10:00am to 12:00pm, East Common Room in Hart House (7 Hart House Circle)
Learn what you can do to best start your academic career at U of T. Gain useful tips on how to manage your time, how to de-stress during crunch times, and how to avoid the pitfalls of procrastination before it gets the best of you and your grades.
The Career Centre and You
2:00pm to 4:00pm, Career Centre Seminar Room in Koffler Student Services Centre (214 College Street)
Learn about how the Career Centre is a great resource as you transition through your undergraduate career. This workshop and tour will show you the different resources and services the Career Centre offers, including how to prepare for interviews, write a resume, and find a job.
Wednesday, September 12
The Essentials(Second of two offerings)
10:00am to 12:00pm, East Common Room in Hart House (7 Hart House Circle)
This session will cover all of the need-to-know details as a University of Toronto student. All of your questions about academic expectations, student support services, involvement opportunities, and more will be answered.
Get Involved: Becoming a Leader at U of T
(Second of two offerings)
2:00pm to 3:00pm, East Common Room in Hart House (7 Hart House Circle)
Thinking about getting involved on campus but not sure where to start? Not sure why getting involved is even important? This interactive workshop will show you how to find involvement and leadership opportunities on campus and how to get the most from your university experience.
Thursday, September 13
Integrating Health & Wellness to Support Your Transition into University
10:30am to 12:00pm, meet in the Reading Room of Hart House (7 Hart House Circle)
Participate in a healthy active living movement session and learn practical strategies to support your overall well-being. There will be a presentation on the importance of health and wellness as a university student, followed by an optional active movement activity. Please bring a water bottle, a change of clothes, and a lock to store belongings for the active movement portion.
Let’s Eat with UeaT
1:00pm to 2:00pm, Room 114 of the Claude T. Bissell Building (140 St. George Street; attached to Robarts Library)
Want to know where the best places to eat on campus are, where to access microwaves to heat your lunch, where to grab a quick meal in between classes, and more? UeaT has the answers to all your questions relating to food at U of T. Learn some tips on eating nutritiously during academically stressful times, as well as what U of T has to offer when you’re in the mood for something to munch on.
Mindfulness Meditation Open House
4:00pm to 5:00pm, Main Activity Hall of the Multi-Faith Centre in Koffler House (569 Spadina Avenue)
Mindfulness meditation is about being aware in the present moment. We spend a lot of time thinking about the past or worrying about the future and this distracts us from what we want to do in the moment. It also stresses us out! In this introductory session you will learn how mindfulness can reduce stress, improve concentration and promote a healthier state of mind.
Let’s Get Spiritual: Exploring the Multi-Faith Centre
5:00pm to 6:00pm, meet in lobby of the Multi-Faith Centre in Koffler House (569 Spadina Avenue)
Regardless of your denomination, spiritual tradition, or how you make meaning, the Multi-Faith Centre has something for you. Come explore this amazing space and get acquainted with the many programs and services it has to offer. Meditation, prayer, and yoga are just a few of the activities you’ll discover here. You'll also find social justice, arts, and dialogue opportunities to build bridges and honour differences.
Friday, September 14
Writing at U of T: Making the Transition to University Writing
1:00pm to 2:30pm, East Common Room in Hart House (7 Hart House Circle)
This workshop is designed to help you prepare for university-level writing. Learn about the key differences between writing in high school and writing in university. Hear some tips on understanding the assignment, planning your paper, constructing a thesis statement, using sources, getting help on your essays at U of T, and more.
Hart House Tours
Want to know where on campus you can get involved, exercise, be creative, relax, meet other students, and so much more? The answer is Hart House, the building that has something for everyone in the student community. Join us on this tour to get the details on how Hart House can help you explore your passions.
Hart House Tours will take place after every Kickstart event that is located in Hart House. Tours will depart in the same room as the Kickstart event. Please note: the Hart House Tour taking place on Thursday, September 13 after "Integrating Health & Wellness to Support Your Transition into University" will depart at the Hart House Hub at 12:00pm.
Additional Opportunities
Aside from your college or divisional orientation and Kickstart, there are a number of other programs and events out there to help you transition into your first year at the University of Toronto. Here are some of the additional opportunities that are available to you:
Academic Mini-Courses
August 21 to August 23
Improve your academic skills by attending these mini-courses designed to introduce you to the expectations of first-year university courses. There is also an informal discussion about navigating the University, held on August 24. For more information and to register, please visit the Academic Success Centre website.
Moving Forward Transition Program
August 27 to August 31
Students with learning disabilities and ADHD can participate in these workshops to help develop skills to achieve their goals and learn what is expected of them at a university level. For full details and to register, please visit the Accessibility Services website.
Robarts Library Tours
September 4 to September 27
Get acquainted with largest library on campus! Tours of Robarts Library are available each week day during the month of September. The tours are approximately 45 minutes long and provide an introduction to the key services found in the library. Drop-ins are welcome! Tours are conducted every weekday, Monday-Friday, at 1:10 pm. Registration is not required. Please meet near the Information Desk on the First Floor of Robarts Library (130 St. George Street).
New International Student Orientation
August 27 to September 11
Newly-arrived international students should make the Centre for International Experience their first stop. This year's orientation features a daily morning tea, informative workshops, and evening walking tours of Toronto's cultural neighbourhoods. For more information, please visit the Centre for International Experience website.
University of Toronto Students' Union (UTSU) Orientation Days
September 5 & 7
The UTSU Clubs Fair takes place on Wednesday, September 5, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, on Hart House Circle. This is your opportunity to learn about and get involved with any of the more than 300 campus groups and organizations with representatives in attendance. The Orientation Parade, the concert and the after-party will be held on Friday, September 7, starting in the afternoon and going late into the night. For more information, visit the UTSU website.
Orientation for Student Parents
September 6
The Family Care Office helps you to navigate the challenges of balancing family responsibilities with education and/or work. This workshop will teach you about the services and resources available to student parents on campus, provide advice from current student parents on how to adjust to the University, and help you start creating your support networks now by making new friends and meeting University staff. For more information and to register, please visit the Family Care Office website.
Orientation for International Students and their Families
September 24
This orientation will provide students and their families with important information to help make adjustment to life in Canada easier. Topics include: University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) for families, how to find child care, apply for subsidies, support services for international student families on campus and in the community, and more. For more information and to register, please visit the Family Care Office website.
September 20 to 27
Queer Orientation is a series of events that bring together the LGBTQ community from all three campuses. With events ranging from social mixers to informative workshops to dance classes, this week-long orientation program promises something for everyone!
Contact Us
Do you have questions about Kickstart or any of its events? Feel free to contact us by e-mail, phone, or by dropping into the Office of Student Life - we're happy to help!
E-mail: kickstart@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-978-6908
Office of Student Life
214 College Street, Main Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5T 2Z9